The Balance Classic occupies the middle of the Balance boot line, which consists of a total of three boots including the premium Balance Oiled and the Balance Pro Tech. These are all technically trials boots, but the high level of comfort, and the connection the rider feels to the bike, have made this style very popular among woods riders and adventure tourers as well.

The main difference between the three models the materials used in their construction. The Balance oiled boots are made of top grain oiled leather with a Drytech waterproof membrane. This is the highest quality construction of the three. This new Balance Classic boot is made of a new lightweight microfiber and is also equipped with a Drytech membrane. The Balance Pro-tech Boot is made of high grade Italian leather, but it is not full grain, and they’re not completely waterproof.

There are a few features that make a boot well suited to trials riding, but the main one is the sole construction. You’ll notice right away that this boot doesn’t have a pronounced heel cap the way most riding boots do. This is so that the rider can move around on the bike and not catch the heel on the peg. Also, the soles are made using a soft gum rubber versus the high density dual compound materials Gaerne uses on their motocross boots. This is because a trials rider needs his boots to really grip the pegs, and doesn’t need to worry about prematurely wearing the soles out; because, unlike in motocross, his feet rarely touch the ground.

These new Balance Classic Boots are shorter in height than a motocross boot, measuring in at only 13 inches tall, closer in dimensions to a touring boot. They’re available in US men’s sizes eight to thirteen, and fit accurate to a Brannock device measurement, as far as length goes. If you are a half size, make sure you select the next size up. Gaerne unfortunately doesn’t offer width measurements, but I can tell you that these boots will accommodate feet up to about the narrow side of E.

These boots are designed for precise control at low speed, so the level of protection is not what you would find in a motocross boot. The only ankle protection is provided by the buckle closure on the lateral side of the boot. The toe box and heel cup are reinforced, but to nowhere near the extent that a motocross boot would be. The TPU shin plate is pretty standard for an offroad boot, though, and provides excellent protection for your shin.

Finally, if you open the boot up, using the replaceable strap and buckle system, you can see the moisture wicking liner material that hides the Drytech membrane, and the removable and replaceable insole.